China views Germany and the European Union as strategic partners and seeks to strengthen cooperation with them based on the principles of free trade and multilateralism, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday.
During their meeting, Wang expressed China’s willingness to deepen “all-round cooperation” with Germany as part of a broader effort to maintain global peace and stability.
Wang was in Germany, the EU’s largest economy, to attend the annual Munich Security Conference. While there, he held discussions with Scholz, as well as the EU’s foreign policy chief and his Spanish and French counterparts.
Germany, which has a significant automotive sector dependent on China, voted against the European Union’s proposed tariffs on China-made electric vehicles last October.
According to a statement from the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang conveyed China’s appreciation for Germany’s “rational and pragmatic” stance on the tariffs.
He further expressed hope that Germany would “continue to play a constructive role in resolving trade frictions and other issues between China and the EU as soon as possible,” the statement noted. Without providing specific details, it also emphasized the importance of China and the EU working together to enhance their relationship.
Regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Wang highlighted that China and Europe share the objective of pursuing a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“China is willing to maintain communication with Germany and other relevant parties and continue to play a constructive role in promoting peace talks,” Wang stated.
As the United States continues to press European NATO members to increase their defense spending, Wang underscored the need for a “balanced, effective and sustainable” security framework in Europe, according to an official Chinese statement.
On Friday, Wang delivered a speech at the Munich conference, reiterating China’s stance on the Ukraine war and calling for peace talks that include all stakeholders involved in the conflict.
In a separate statement, China noted that Wang also met with his German counterpart on the sidelines of the conference, where he described Germany as a “stabilising force” in EU-China relations.
While speaking with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Wang asserted that there were no fundamental conflicts between China and the EU and emphasized China’s willingness to foster mutual understanding and promote global stability.
During his visit to Munich, Wang also met with his French counterpart, where he urged a de-escalation of trade tensions.
“As comprehensive strategic partners, we believe that China and France and China and the EU have the wisdom and ability to handle the matter properly,” he stated.
